Genevieve Cheng: From Communication to Climate Resilience
This is the impact story of Genevieve Cheng, a Master’s student in Communication who joined the 312 Main Research Shop and the BREATH Project expecting to support communications—but ended up rebranding the initiative, managing outreach, and helping communities build DIY air filters to improve indoor air quality. Through hands-on collaboration with researchers, health partners, and residents, Genevieve discovered the powerful role communication plays in advancing public health and climate resilience.
Genevieve Cheng, a Master’s student in Communication, joined the DIY Air Cleaner Project (now the BREATH project) with the Pacific Institute on Pathogens, Pandemics and Society (PIPPS) and the , where community members learn to build simple air filtration devices to improve indoor air quality. Initially expecting to support the development of best practices for the project’s communication needs, Genevieve’s role quickly expanded. Over the summer, she rebranded the project’s visual identitymanaged communications, created digital and print materials, supported survey design, and helped promote and run community workshops—including one in Kelowna.
“This project far exceeded my expectations,” Genevieve said. “I’ve never worked in public health before, but I quickly found ways to contribute and learn.”
Taking on roles as communications manager and social media coordinator, she built new skills in project management, community engagement, and health communication—areas she hadn’t explored in coursework alone. “It was eye-opening to engage directly with community members and see how research impacts real lives,” she shared, reflecting on moments when residents learned to build DIY air filters as tools for wildfire smoke and climate resilience.
Working with SFU’s Faculty of Health Sciences and partners from across Vancouver, New Westminster, and Kelowna exposed her to research and communication practices beyond her field. “It’s been heartwarming to see people respond to the work we’ve done—and I now feel more confident pursuing a career in health communication.”
Though the role started with a broad scope, regular team check-ins helped focus goals and maximize her contributions. The collaboration, encouragement, and flexibility made the experience deeply rewarding. Her placement has now been extended into Fall 2024 and possibly Spring 2025.
Her biggest takeaway? “Communication students can bring a lot to health projects—even without prior experience. Don’t be afraid to take initiative and offer your skills.”